Uganda’s Teen Cranes marched into the final of the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Kenya on Saturday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Uganda maintained their perfect record in the tournament and, in the process, gained sweet revenge over a Kenyan team that knocked them out of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers last month.
Uganda wasted no time in taking control at KMC Stadium. Shadia Nabirye put the Teen Cranes ahead after just six minutes, pouncing on a loose ball after Kenya’s defenders failed to clear and calmly beating goalkeeper Mishel Ng’ono.
Kenya tried to fight back, but Uganda’s defence stood firm, keeping Bakari Mwanakombo and Emily Mbuya quiet throughout the match.
The Teen Cranes doubled their lead five minutes before halftime when Immaculate Achen finished from close range to leave Kenya with a daunting task in the second half.
Kenya coach Mildred Omari Cheche made changes after the break, but Uganda remained in control, denying their opponents any meaningful chances.
Uganda sealed the victory deep into stoppage time when Kenya defender Jael Simiyu turned the ball into her own net following a Ugandan corner.
Uganda will face either hosts Tanzania or South Sudan in Monday’s final.
